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 Introducing the Chutzpah Awards 2011
At the Synagogue Leadership Conference
Watch the Trailer:
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D'var Torah Videocast on Youtube:
"The Strength to Work Together"
Leadership Lessons From Exodus #11:
Click here to read a D'var Torah on Parashat Pekudei by Rabbi Charles Savenor, METNY District Director
This is the final video of this series. We welcome your feedback on this d'var Torah, or any part of the series. Please email any comments to savenor@uscj.org.
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METNY Scholar in Residence Program
With Dr. Joshua Kulp, Co-Founder, Conservative Yeshiva
 The METNY district of United Synagogue is pleased to announce that Dr. Josh Kulp will serve as a scholar in residence in our area from Friday, March 4th through Shabbat, March 12th, 2011. Dr. Josh Kulp is co-founder of the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and the author of The Schechter Haggadah: Art, History and Commentary (Schechter Press, 2008). We are also delighted that Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, the Director of the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, has also joined METNY for a Shabbat at Congregation Habonim, March 4-5, 2011....[read more] [see the schedule]
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Movies With Abe
Strangers No More
 The most optimistic of this year's Oscar nominees (and the winner) in one of the oft-ignored categories, Best Documentary Short Subject, is the success story of the Bialik-Rogozin School in Tel Aviv, where children from all around the world are taught Hebrew and go much further educationally than anyone would ever expect of them. In just forty minutes, filmmakers Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon demonstrate the effectiveness and positive influences of an Israeli education in this winning and entertaining snapshot of one year in the lives of several students who manage to defy the odds and achieve their potential. Read more about the film here and look for it on HBO this coming fall. Abe Fried-Tanzer is an NYC-based fieldworker for KOACH, USCJ's College Outreach Project, as well as the editor of Movies With Abe and TV with Abe. |
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GenNext: Religious Leadership Forty and Under
By Yossi Hoffman
 The GenNext panel, a program of the Louis Finkelstein Institute for Religious and Social Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, billed itself as, "a panel discussion on religious leadership in the next generation." At first, it seemed to be more of a presentation about the panelists (all under forty), than about religious leadership. In sharing their stories, however, the panelists gave the audience the opportunity to gain insight into the perspective of young religious leaders in the 21st Century...[read more] |
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District Happenings
News & Events From Around the METNY District
Oklahoma! at Huntington Jewish Center
 Huntington Jewish Center Park Avenue Players present Oklahoma! - the timeless musical classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein, on Saturdays, March 5 &12 at 8 pm and Sundays, March 6 &13 at 3 pm. $18 general admission, $10 children 5 and under. Premium and patron seats $25/$50. For tickets and more information, please call 631-427-6513 ext.10, or 631-697-3367, or log onto hjcny.org/hjcs-oklahoma. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the performance.
Dr. Josh Kulp: Scholar in Residence for Suffolk County
Dr. Josh Kulp will be speaking at North Shore Jewish Center as part of the METNY scholar in residence program in Suffolk County [see article, above], on Sunday Morning, March 6, at 10am. The topic: What Mah Nishtanah Can Teach Us About the Seder.
The Megillah of Esther: Romance and Revenge
Join the UJA community on Wednesday, March 9, 5:30 - 7:00pm for an exciting Purim session with Rabbi Michael Paley, scholar-in-residence at UJA-Federation of New York.
The Megillah of Esther has it all -- threat, revenge, palace intrigue, betrayal, and love. In this session, we will explore how these themes interact in one of the most compelling and fanciful stories in the Bible. [more info]
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METNY on the Road
On Monday, February 28, Rabbi Savenor visited Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre to meet with their board. From left to right: Alan Reid, Rabbi Andrew Warmflash, Rabbi Savenor, Dan Gerstman, and Audrey Polinsky.
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On Thurs., Feb. 24, Rabbi Edelman along with HAZAK co-chairs Carol Turoff and Jeff Horowitz, met with the leadership of Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn to discuss the development of the HAZAK program.
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On Tuesday, March 1, Rabbi Savenor met with president Debra Firestone and the Commack Jewish Center executive board.
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On Wednesday, March 2, Rabbi Savenor attended a panel discussion at UJA-Federation of New York entitled, "Belonging in 2020: The Nature of the Jewish Community of Tomorrow." Check out Rabbi Savenor's Twitter feed for reactions to the event.
This morning, Tamar Schwartz, METNY Director of Youth Activities, attended the All Jewish Group Regional Directors meeting, at Camp Jacobson, Old Westbury.
On Sunday, February 13, 2011, Dr. Elissa Kaplan, lead educator for the PaRDeS Yaakov program, facilitated the workshops, Why am I interested in Tefilah? What does it mean anyway? and Be Happy! It's Adar! Teaching Tefilot to Grades K-2 for the Ohr Chadash religious school faculty, led by Judy Stein, at the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism in Flushing, NY. (See photos, below)
Note: The Ohr Chadash religious school is the combined religious school of Hillcrest Jewish Center & the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism.
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Judy, Elissa and the K-2 teachers with their favorite items from the workshop.
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Judy, Elissa and the Grade 3-7 teachers with lots of resources for teaching tefillot.
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Beginning on Sunday morning, March 6, at North Shore Jewish Center, Rabbi Edelman will be attending a variety of Dr. Josh Kulp's sessions throughout the week. [see article, above]
On Sunday, March 6, Tamar Schwartz will be meeting with the METNY USY Regional Board at East Northport Jewish Center.
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Yasher Koach Corner
Yasher Koach to Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg on his installation this Sunday morning at New City Jewish Center. Breakfast will be served following the
program. RSVP to the NCJC office (no charge) by calling 845-638-9600 x101.
Yasher Koach to Mike Hirsch, Rakevet Divisional Director for organizing the Rakevet Kinnus with over 130 USYers. Thanks to host East Northport Jewish Center and Rabbi Ian Silverman and president Robin Kain.
Yasher Koach to USY Alumn Dori Weinstein on the launch of her  new book, Sliding Into the New Year.
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Looking Ahead...
Programs and Events from USCJ and its Movement Affiliates
JTS Prozdor Open House / 60th Anniversary 
On Sunday morning March 13, there will be an open house for prospective Prozdor students and parents. [more info]
On Monday night, March 14, Prozdor will be celebrating its 60th year! This event honors the history and achievements of the Ivry Prozdor High School. [more info]
The Ivry Prozdor Hebrew High School is a supplemental academic and social program for students in grades 8-12. They offer many levels of Hebrew language and a dynamic Beit Midrash program! Study with engaging teachers, meet new friends, and gain a deeper understanding of Judaism!
 The Rabbinical Assembly (RA), in cooperation with The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), is again offering a course for physicians this May, entitled "Brit Kodesh, A Sacred Covenant: A Conference on Brit Milah." Qualified physicians and health care practitioners who are clinically trained and highly experienced in medical circumcision, and who are practicing Conservative Jews, can apply with the recommendation of their rabbis and the approval of their local RA regions. [more info]
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METNY Synagogue Leadership Conference
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
You've heard of the Oscars -- come join us at the upcoming METNY Spring Leadership Conference, and you could...
See trailer, above
It will take place on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism in Flushing, NY. The convention's theme, "Profiles in Chutzpah," will present "out of the box thinking" that leaders can utilize to enhance and inspire their kehillot, congregations. The registration fee for the conference is $18, which covers dinner, sessions and materials. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 7th. [more info]
Are you under the age of 39? You could get a young leadership scholarship to the conference! [more info]
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Shabbat Times
Candle lighting:
5:32pm
This week's Torah portion is
Parashat Pekudei
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Israel & the Middle East
Rabbi Wernick Meets With President Obama
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents and its member organizations met with President Barack Obama at the White House on March 1 to discuss U.S.-Israel relations, ongoing changes in the Middle East and other issues. [more info]
Lone Soldiers and
Purim Connection Program
2,500 Lone Soldiers from around the Diaspora are now serving in the IDF, and are alone on Purim.
Send a Purim basket today!
Is Israel a Rogue State?
On October 21st, 2010, the Cambridge Union Society, one of the oldest student debating societies in the world, held a debate on the motion that Israel is a rogue state. Read what happened on the Balfour Street Blog.
Salute to Israel Parade 2011 The largest event in the world celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Israel's independence.
[more info]
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Programs & Resources
Solomon Schechter Awards
Applications are due on Monday, May 2, 2011. [more info]
Purim is Approaching METNY USCJ and Reisman's Bakery are proud to offer a special discount for METNY synagogues. Call 718-331-1975 or visit reismansbakery.com
JDeal: Groupon for Jews From delicious cuisine to fancy shmancy hotels to the best seats in the house, JDeal offers great deals every day. Check out today's deal!
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Hear What They're Saying About "News"
"I like the new format. The content continues to be excellent -- and, more importantly, the activities that the content captures are great to read about."
- Jonathan S. Greenberg, USCJ Mid-Atlantic District Executive Committee member |
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Et Tu, Charle?
Charlie Sheen Says He Will Sue
The actor talks frankly in an exclusive interview with ABC's Andrea Canning.
Watch the interview!
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